Program Proposal Previews - our version of Sneak-A-Peek

Planning to apply for 2017-2018 program funding by January 16th? Would you like our input on your program proposal in advance AND a chance to revise your application accordingly?

We invite all applicants to meet one-on-one with Jeannie to receive feedback on your draft proposal. Jeannie is taking Proposal Preview appointments November 28 through December 8.

A proposal preview is especially valuable for vetting new program ideas. We can answer your funding questions, give context, and suggest ways to show your plans in their best light. Just email or call to set up a time with her at 403-266-6444, ext 2. And be sure to send a draft of your proposal 4 or 5 days ahead of your appointment date.

December Networking event

• Do you want to find out what all the buzz is about with IFL (Integrated Foundational Learning)?
• Have you taken any of our IFL workshops and  want to share (brag about) how you have implemented your learning into your program or further your learning? 
• If your organization received mentorship, can you come and share how your programs and learners are benefiting from this experience?

Join us at our networking event on December 1 from 2 to 4 PM and listen to wonderful stories of success (and challenges) or share your own experiences with IFL. Find out about how IFL can teach how to identify and include literacy and essential skills in your everyday programs.

We welcome all IFL alumni and I-want-to-know-more-about-IFL enthusiasts!!

Date: December 1, 2016
Time: 2 - 4 PM
Location: CNIB, 15 Colonel Baker Pl NE, Calgary (map)
RSVP: click HERE 

Flashback: October 13

1. We were pleased to be able to share recent research conducted by Suzanne McLeod with Calgary Métis Family Services which made recommendations to Calgary Learns about how to design our Aboriginal Granting Process. It was an honour to have Florence Kelly and Reg Crowshoe, two members of the Elder Advisory Committee, join us and share their perspectives and moving stories. Calgary Learns is already beginning to implement a number of the recommendations put forth in the research in our next granting round and continue to work towards some of the longer term recommendations. It is highly recommended that any organization applying for grants for Indigenous programming be aware of this research. The complete research paper can be found here.
2. Our afternoon session was part of our Community Consultation process. We were so appreciative to everybody who joined us and provided wonderful input and discussion regarding the current needs in the area of adult foundational learning. The full report from this session can be found here.

LOLA nominations are now open

Do you admire someone who excels as an adult learner or adult educator?
Is there a learning program or project out there that deserve extra recognition?
How about an extra-ordinary funder?

Consider this opportunity to honour these hard working and enthusiastic people and send in your nomination form for a
Life Of Learning Award (LOLA)!
 

• Adult Learner for a learner at a foundational level who loves learning, stands out in his or her efforts to keep learning and inspires others by example.
• Learning Champion for an educator/facilitator or program designer who makes a great contribution to community-based adult foundational learning and supports the essential skills development in learners.
• Learning Communities for a learning program/project that stands out in innovation, effectiveness and breadth of reach into the adult foundational learning community.
• Thanks A Bunch showcases a funder (individual or corporation) whose commitment and financial contribution help support the needs of adult foundational level learners.

LOLA Profile - Adult Learner: Lloyd Thornhill

Lloyd Thornhill, who turns 69 this year, was born and raised on Brunette Island, a tiny island off the south coast of Newfoundland. Learning was extremely difficult for Lloyd in his all-ages school class. With no supports in place, he spent many a day colouring at the back of the classroom. After struggling to achieve a Grade 6 education, Lloyd led a quiet and sheltered life for the next several decades, living with his parents and working as a janitor in a nursing home.

Fast forward to 2000, when Lloyd moved west to be closer to his siblings. Since living in Calgary, his love for learning has exploded. Lloyd’s action plan to independent living has included non-stop participation in a broad range of programs: literacy, financial literacy, life skills, arts classes, computer training, personal safety and photography, to name just a few.

Lloyd is a hardworking and attentive student. He also serves tirelessly as an advocate for the disability community, joining advisory boards and action groups and clocking hundreds of volunteer hours for such organizations as the Interfaith Thrift Store, Vecova, and CareWest. Lloyd speaks passionately in public forums for the rights of all citizens to be able to access educational opportunities throughout their lifespan.

Lloyd has a dogged determination to reach his learning goals. It has been his life-long dream to be able to read and write, and through persistence and hard work, this dream is now coming true. But he’s not stopping there. In Lloyd’s own words, he’s just getting started. Bravo, Lloyd! You’re an inspiration to us all.